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Wainui School has been named Emerging School of the Year after competing against primary schools from across the country in the Garden to Table Young Gardener of the Year Awards.
The school joined the full Garden to Table programme earlier this year and was the first on the Hibiscus Coast to do so.
The judges were particularly impressed by the importance Wainui School puts on encouraging their students to become kaitiaki (guardians) of the environment. The students are learning where vegetables come from, how they are grown and the importance of preserving resources as part of the programme.
One thing that made Wainui School stand out was that its Garden to Table projects have expanded beyond the garden and kitchen to include making macramé planter pots, lunch wraps, ginger beer and lip balm. It also extends the programme to their art unit where the kids learn about garden design.
Judges noted that Wainui School demonstrated “a dedication to teach broader life lessons through gardening, from learning about enterprise through to selling fresh produce at the school’s Ag Day.”
Leanne Stevenson, the teacher who entered Wainui School for the awards, says she has watched students who struggle in the classroom, blossom in the garden.
“Some have found their niche – becoming part of a group, and then growing in confidence and leading others,” she says.
Garden to Table ambassador and awards judge, Dan Mackay, says it’s great to see schools getting involved with all the lessons that the garden has to offer.
The school receives a trophy, as well as a raft of prizes that include a $250 voucher from Tui for gardening products, a tree and plaque as well as design concept drawings from Dan for a new or improved school garden or orchard.
